[Federal Register: July 1, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 126)]
[Notices]
[Page 38166-38177]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01jy05-102]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Administration for Children and Families
Administration on Developmental Disabilities; Family Support
Initiative 2005
Announcement Type: Initial.
Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2005-ACF-ADD-DF-0020.
CFDA Number: 93.631.
Due Date for Applications: Application is due August 15, 2005.
Executive Summary: Objectives: To provide funds to States to create
or expand statewide systems change for Family Support. To allow for the
award of competitive grants to conduct training, technical assistance,
and other activities designed to address the problems that impede the
self-sufficiency of individuals with developmental disabilities and
families of children with developmental disabilities. This program
announcement will provide funds for the development phase of the Family
Support Initiative. This is the last program announcement related to
statewide systems change begun in 1999. This is not a funding
opportunity related to Family Support 360. Eligible States and
territorial entities under this announcement are: Alabama, Iowa,
California and Puerto Rico. States and territories not listed above are
not eligible to apply.
[[Page 38167]]
I. Funding Opportunity Description
Statutory Authority Covered Under This Announcement
This announcement is covered under the Developmental Disabilities
Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act of 2000), (42 U.S.C.
15001-15115). Projects of National Significance is Subtitle E of the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000,
(42 U.S.C. 15081-15083). Provisions under this section provide for the
award of grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements for Projects of
National Significance that support:
The development of national and State policies that
reinforce and promote the self-determination, independence,
productivity, integration, and inclusion in all facets of community
life of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Family support activities, data collection and analysis,
technical assistance to entities that provide family support and data
collection activities; and
Other projects of sufficient size and scope that hold
promise to expand or improve opportunities for individuals with
developmental disabilities.
General Description
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) is located
within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Department
of Health and Human Services (DHHS). ADD shares goals with other ACF
programs that promote the economic and social well-being of families,
children, individuals, and communities. ACF and ADD envision:
Families and individuals empowered to increase their own
economic independence and productivity;
Strong, healthy, supportive communities having a positive
impact on the quality of life and the development of children;
Partnerships with individuals, front-line service
providers, communities, States, and Congress that enable solutions that
transcend traditional agency boundaries;
Services planned and integrated to improve access to
programs and supports for individuals and families;
A recognition of the power and effectiveness of public
private partnerships, including collaboration among community groups,
such as faith-based organizations, families, and public agencies; and
A community-based approach that recognizes and expands on
the resources and benefits of diversity.
These goals will enable individuals, including people with
developmental disabilities, to live productive and independent lives
integrated into their communities. The Projects of National
Significance (PNS) program is one means through which ADD promotes the
achievement of these goals.
ADD is the lead agency within ACF and DHHS responsible for planning
and administering programs to promote self-sufficiency and protect the
rights of persons with developmental disabilities. ADD implements the
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (the DD
Act), which was authorized by Congress in 2000.
This Act supports and provides assistance to States, public,
private non-profit agencies, and organizations, including faith-based
organizations, to assure that individuals with developmental
disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have
access to culturally competent services, supports, and other assistance
and opportunities that promote independence, productivity, integration,
and inclusion into the community.
As defined in the DD Act, the term ``developmental disabilities''
means a severe, chronic disability of an individual that is
attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of
mental and physical impairments that is manifested before the
individual attains age 22 and is likely to continue indefinitely.
Developmental disabilities results in substantial limitations in three
or more of the following functional areas: self-care; receptive and
expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for
independent living, and capacity for economic self-sufficiency.
A number of significant findings are identified in the DD Act,
including:
Disability is a natural part of the human experience that
does not diminish the right of individuals with developmental
disabilities to enjoy the opportunity for independence, productivity,
integration, and inclusion into the community;
Individuals whose disabilities occur during their
developmental period frequently have severe disabilities that are
likely to continue indefinitely; and
Individuals with developmental disabilities often require
lifelong specialized services and assistance, provided in a coordinated
and culturally competent manner by many agencies, professionals,
advocates, community representatives and others to eliminate barriers
and to meet the needs of such individuals and their families.
The DD Act also promotes the best practices and policies presented
below:
Individuals with developmental disabilities, including
those with the most severe developmental disabilities, are capable of
achieving independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion into
the community, and often require the provision of services, supports,
and other assistance to achieve such;
Individuals with developmental disabilities have
competencies, capabilities, and personal goals that should be
recognized, supported, and encouraged, and any assistance to such
individuals should be provided in an individualized manner, consistent
with the unique strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities,
and capabilities of the individual; and
Individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families are the primary decision makers regarding the services and
support such individuals and their families receive, and play decision-
making roles in policies and programs that affect the lives of such
individuals and their families.
Towards these ends, ADD seeks to support and accomplish the
following:
Enhance the capabilities of families in assisting
individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their maximum
potential;
Support the increasing ability of individuals with
developmental disabilities to exercise greater choice and self-
determination and to engage in leadership activities in their
communities; and
Ensure the protection of individuals with developmental
disabilities' legal and human rights.
The four grant programs funded under the Act are:
State Developmental Disabilities Councils;
State Protection and Advocacy Systems for Individuals with
Developmental Disabilities' Rights;
Grants to the National Network of University Centers for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Education, Research, and
Service; and
Grants for Projects of National Significance.
Priority Area 1
Family Support Program
1. Description of the Family Support Program
The purpose of the family support program is for States to create
or expand statewide systems change. It allows for the award of
competitive grants to conduct training, technical assistance,
[[Page 38168]]
and other national activities designed to address the problems that
impede the self-sufficiency of families of children with developmental
disabilities.
2. Requirements
Project funds must be used to support the development of family
support activities contributing to the self-determination,
independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets
of community life of such individuals. Projects will:
(1) Ensure the full participation, choice and control of families
of children with developmental disabilities, in decisions related to
the provision of such family support for their family;
(2) Ensure the active involvement of families of children with
developmental disabilities in the planning, development,
implementation, and evaluation of the project; increase the
availability of, funding for, access to, and provision of family
support for families of children with developmental disabilities;
(3) Promote training activities that are family-centered and
family-directed and that enhance the ability of family members of
children with developmental disabilities to increase participation,
choice, and control in the provision of family support for families of
children with developmental disabilities;
(4) Increase and promote interagency coordination among State
agencies, and between State agencies and private entities that are
involved in these projects; and
(5) Increase the awareness of laws, regulations, policies,
practices, procedures, and organizational structures that facilitate or
impede the availability or provision of family support for families of
children with developmental disabilities.
3. Minimum Requirements for Project Design
ADD requires grant funds to be used to support the development of
State policies that reinforce and promote (with the support of
families, guardians, advocates, and communities of individuals with
developmental disabilities) the self-determination, independence,
productivity and integration and inclusion in all facets of community
life of such individuals through family support activities. Project
activities should accomplish any of the following:
Establishment of a State Policy Council of families of
children with developmental disabilities, or utilization of an existing
council which will advise and assist the lead entity in the performance
of activities under the project. The State Policy Council shall be
composed of a majority of participants who are family members of
children with developmental disabilities, or who are youth with
developmental disabilities (ages 18-21), or qualify under both
categories;
Training and technical assistance for family members,
service providers, community members, professionals, members of the
Policy Council, State agency staff, students and others;
Interagency coordination of Federal and State policies,
resources, and services; establishment of interagency workgroups to
enhance public funding options and coordination; and other interagency
activities that promote coordination;
Outreach to locate families who are eligible for family
support and to identify groups who are underserved and unserved;
Policy studies that relate to the development and
implementation, or expansions and enhancement, of a statewide system of
family support for families of children with developmental
disabilities;
Hearings and forums to solicit input from families of
children with developmental disabilities, regarding family support
programs, policies, and plans for such families;
Public awareness and education to families of children
with developmental disabilities, parent groups and organizations,
public and private agencies, students, policymakers, and the general
public;
Needs assessment;
Analysis of statewide system of family support for
families of children with developmental disabilities;
Development plans must include innovative partnerships
with community organizations to increase the utilization of generic
services by families of children with developmental disabilities;
Pilot demonstration projects to demonstrate new approaches
to the provision of family support for families of children with
developmental disabilities that include family strengthening services
such as parenting education and marriage education.
ADD expects to fund applications that include or incorporate into
these activities one or more of the following populations relevant to
their State: (1) Unserved and underserved populations that include
populations such as individuals from racial and ethnic minority
backgrounds, economically disadvantaged individuals, individuals with
limited-English proficiency, and individuals from underserved
geographic areas (rural or urban); (2) aging families of adult children
with developmental disabilities, who are over age 21 with a focus on
assisting those families, and their adult children, to be included as
self-determining members of their communities; (3) foster/adoptive
families of children with developmental disabilities; (4) families
participating in the State's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Program (TANF), welfare-to-work, and/or SSI program; (5) veterans with
families having a child with a developmental disability; (6) parents
with developmental disabilities (especially cognitive disabilities) who
have children with or without disabilities; and (7) families of
children with developmental disabilities who have behavioral/emotional
issues.
ADD intends to fund those applications that describe how the
project will:
Ensure consumer/self-advocate orientation and
participation;
Include key project personnel with direct life experience
living with a developmental disability;
Have strong advisory components that consist of a majority
of individuals with developmental disabilities and a structure where
individuals with developmental disabilities make real decisions that
determine the outcome of the grant;
If the project includes research, reflect the principles
of participatory action;
Consider cultural competency (``cultural competency'' as
defined in the DD Act means services, supports, or other assistance
that is conducted or provided in a manner that is responsive to the
beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behavior of
individuals who are receiving the services, supports or other
assistance, and in a manner that has the greatest likelihood of
ensuring their maximum participation in the program involved);
Allow individuals with developmental disabilities and
their families to be involved in all aspects of the design,
implementation, and evaluation of the project;
Attend to unserved and underserved individuals, who have
developmental disabilities (from mild to severe), and who are from
multicultural backgrounds, rural and inner-city areas, and migrant,
homeless, and refugee families;
Comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if
applicable, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as
amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 (Pub. L. 105-220);
[[Page 38169]]
Use collaboration through partnerships and coalitions;
Develop the capacity to communicate and disseminate
information and technical assistance through E-mail and other
effective, affordable, and accessible forms of electronic communication
that are Section 508 compliant.
Develop and establish system change activities beyond the
project period; and
Disseminate models, products, best practices, and
strategies for distribution between networks and beyond.
Applications must also include provisions for the travel of a key
staff person during the project period for one (1) trip to Washington,
DC.
This will be the final program announcement from ADD to solicit
applicants for Federal funding for the Family Support Initiative
Program that was begun in 1999. This final program announcement notice
does not apply to future Family Support 360 initiative announcements.
II. Award Information
Funding Instrument Type: Grant.
Anticipated Total Priority Area Funding: $350,000.
Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 to 4.
Ceiling on Amount of Individual Awards: $100,000 per project
period.
Floor on Amount of Individual Awards: $50,000 per project period.
Average Projected Award Amount: $100,000 per project period.
Length of Project Periods: 17 month project and budget period.
Maximum awards to States will be $100,000. Maximum awards to
Territories will be $50,000.
Therefore, application request levels must not exceed the ceiling
amount of $100,000 in Federal funds for a State entity and $50,000 in
Federal funds for a Territorial entity.
III. Eligibility Information
1. Eligible Applicants
Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity subject to
exceptions specified in Additional Information on Eligibility)
State governments
County governments
City or township governments
Special district governments
Independent school districts
State controlled institutions of higher education
Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally
recognized tribal governments)
Public Housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
Non-profits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other
than institutions of higher education
Non-profits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the
IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Private institutions of higher education
Additional Information on Eligibility: Eligible States and
Territorial entities under this announcement are: Alabama, Iowa,
California and Puerto Rico. States and Territories not listed above are
not eligible to apply.
A letter from the office of the governor or the chief executive
officer designating the applicant as the lead agency for the State or
Territory must accompany the application. This lead agency is
responsible for coordinating the planning, development, implementation
(or expansion and enhancement), and evaluation of a statewide system of
family support services for families of children with developmental
disabilities.
Applicants include public and private non-profit organizations,
which may include faith-based and community organizations, and private
and State controlled institutions of higher education that are
designated by the governor or chief executive officer of the State as
the lead agency for this project.
All applications developed jointly by more than one agency or
organization must identify only one organization as the lead
organization and the official applicant. The other participating
agencies and organizations can be included as co-participants, sub-
grantees, or subcontractors.
Only those entities that are designated by the State as lead
applicants and who have not previously been awarded family support
development grants are eligible under this announcement.
2. Cost Sharing/Matching
Yes.
Grantees are required to meet a non-Federal share of the project
costs. Grantees must provide at least 25% of the total approved cost of
the project. The total approved cost of the project is the sum of the
ACF share and the non-Federal share. The non-Federal share may be met
by cash or in-kind contributions, although applicants are encouraged to
meet their match requirements through cash contributions. For example,
in order to meet the match requirements, a project with a total
approved cost of $133,333, requesting $100,000 in ACF funds, must
provide a non-Federal share of at least $33,333 (25% of total approved
project cost of $133,333.) Grantees will be held accountable for
commitments of non-Federal resources even if over the amount of the
required match. Failure to provide the amount will result in
disallowance of Federal funds. Lack of supporting documentation at the
time of application will not impact the responsiveness of the
application for competitive review.
3. Other
All applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet number. On June 27,
2003 the Office of Management and Budget published in the Federal
Register a new Federal policy applicable to all Federal grant
applicants. The policy requires Federal grant applicants to provide a
Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when
applying for Federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after
October 1, 2003. The DUNS number will be required whether an applicant
is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide
electronic portal (http://www.Grants.gov). A DUNS number will be required for
every application for a new award or renewal/continuation of an award,
including applications or plans under formula, entitlement and block
grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.
Please ensure that your organization has a DUNS number. You may
acquire a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711 or you may request a number
on-line at http://www.dnb.com.
Non-profit organizations applying for funding are required to
submit proof of their non-profit status.
Proof of non-profit status is any one of the following:
A reference to the applicant organization's listing in the
Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt
organizations described in the IRS Code.
A copy of a currently valid IRS tax exemption certificate.
A statement from a State taxing body, State attorney
general, or other appropriate State official certifying that the
applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the net
earning accrue to any private shareholders or individuals.
A certified copy of the organization's certificate of
incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes non-profit
status.
Any of the items in the subparagraphs immediately above
for a State or national parent organization and a statement signed by
the parent organization that the applicant
[[Page 38170]]
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
When applying electronically we strongly suggest you attach your
proof of non-profit status with your electronic application.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Disqualification Factors
Applications that exceed the ceiling amount will be considered non-
responsive and will not be considered for funding under this
announcement.
Any application that fails to satisfy the deadline requirements
referenced in Section IV.3 will be considered non-responsive and will
not be considered for funding under this announcement.
IV. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package
Joan Rucker, Program Specialist, Office of Operations and
Discretionary Grants, Administration on Developmental Disabilities,
Administration for Children and Families, Mail Stop: HHH-405-D, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20447. Phone: 202-690-7898.
Fax: 202-205-8037. E-mail: jrucker@acf.hhs.gov.
2. Content and Form of Application Submission
A letter from the office of the governor or the chief executive
officer designating the applicant as the lead agency for the State or
Territory must accompany the application. This lead agency is
responsible for coordinating the planning, development, implementation
(or expansion and enhancement), and evaluation of a statewide system of
family support services for families of children with developmental
disabilities. State designated applicants include public and private
non-profit organizations, which may include faith-based and community
organizations, and private and State controlled institutions of higher
education designated by the governor or chief executive officer of the
State as the lead agency for this project. The letter must contain an
original signature of the governor's office and accurately specify the
name of the designated organization as stated on the front of the grant
application Standard Form 424.
Each application package must include an original and two copies of
the complete application.
Each copy should be stapled securely (front and back if necessary)
in the upper left-hand corner. All pages of the narrative (including
charts, tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) must be sequentially numbered,
beginning with page one. In order to facilitate handling, please do not
use covers, binders or tabs. Do not include extraneous materials as
attachments, such as agency promotion brochures, slides, tapes, film
clips, minutes of meetings, survey instruments or articles of
incorporation.
The narrative should be typed double spaced on a single side of an
8\1/2\ x 11'' plain white paper, with 1'' margins on all sides, using
black print no smaller than 12 pitch or 12 point size. All pages of the
narrative, including attachments (such as charts, references/footnotes,
tables, maps, exhibits, etc.) and letters of support must be
sequentially numbered, beginning with ``Objectives and Need for
Assistance'' as page number one. Applicants should not submit
reproductions of larger size paper, reduced to meet the size
requirement.
The length of the application, including all attachments and
required Federal forms, must not exceed 60 pages. The Federally
required forms will be counted towards the total number of pages. The
60-page limit will be strictly enforced. All pages beyond the first 60
pages of text will be removed prior to applications being evaluated by
the reviewers. A page is a single side of an 8\1/2\ x 11
sheet of paper with 1 margins.
Applicants are requested not to send pamphlets, brochure or other
printed material along with their application as these pose copying
difficulties. These materials, if submitted, will not be included in
the review process if they exceed the 60-page limit. Each page of the
application will be counted to determine the total length.
Applicants have the option of omitting the Social Security Numbers
and specific salary rates of the proposed projects from the two copies
submitted with the original application to ACF. For purposes of the
outside review process, applicants may elect to summarize salary
information on the copies of their application. All salary information
must, however, appear on the signed original application for ACF.
You may submit your application to us in either electronic or paper
format.
To submit an application electronically, please use the http://www.Grants.gov/Apply
site. If you use Grants.gov, you will be able to
download a copy of the application package, complete it off-line, and
then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov site. ACF
will not accept grant applications via email or facsimile transmission.
Please note the following if you plan to submit your application
electronically via Grants.gov:
Electronic submission is voluntary, but strongly
encouraged.
When you enter the Grants.gov site, you will find
information about submitting an application electronically through the
site, as well as the hours of operation. We strongly recommend that you
do not wait until the application deadline date to begin the
application process through Grants.gov.
We recommend you visit Grants.gov at least 30 days prior
to filing your application to fully understand the process and
requirements. We encourage applicants who submit electronically to
submit well before the closing date and time so that if difficulties
are encountered an applicant can still send in a hard copy overnight.
If you encounter difficulties, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk
at 1-800-518-4276 to report the problem and obtain assistance with the
system.
To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS
Number and register in the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You
should allow a minimum of five days to complete the CCR registration.
You will not receive additional point value because you
submit a grant application in electronic format, nor will we penalize
you if you submit an application in paper format.
You may submit all documents electronically, including all
information typically included on the SF 424 and all necessary
assurances and certifications.
Your application must comply with any page limitation
requirements described in this program announcement.
After you electronically submit your application, you will
receive an automatic acknowledgement from Grants.gov that contains a
Grants.gov tracking number. The Administration for Children and
Families will retrieve your application from Grants.gov.
We may request that you provide original signatures on
forms at a later date.
You may access the electronic application for this program
on http://www.Grants.gov
You must search for the downloadable application package
by the CFDA number.
An original and two copies of the complete application are
required. The original and each of the two copies must
[[Page 38171]]
include all required forms, certifications, assurances, and appendices,
be signed by an authorized representative, have original signatures,
and be submitted unbound.
Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged to submit with
their applications the survey located under ``Grant Related Documents
and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant Applicants,''
titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for Applicants,'' at:
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Standard Forms and Certifications: The project description should
include all the information requirements described in the specific
evaluation criteria outlined in the program announcement under Section
V Application Review Information. In addition to the project
description, the applicant needs to complete all the standard forms
required for making applications for awards under this announcement.
Applicants seeking financial assistance under this announcement
must file the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal
Assistance; SF-424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; SF-
424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs. The forms may be
reproduced for use in submitting applications. Applicants must sign and
return the standard forms with their application.
Applicants must furnish prior to award an executed copy of the
Standard Form LLL, Certification Regarding Lobbying, when applying for
an award in excess of $100,000. Applicants who have used non-Federal
funds for lobbying activities in connection with receiving assistance
under this announcement shall complete a disclosure form, if
applicable, with their applications. Applicants must sign and return
the certification with their application.
Applicants must also understand they will be held accountable for
the smoking prohibition included within Pub. L. 103-227, Title XII
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (also known as the PRO-KIDS Act of 1994). A
copy of the Federal Register notice which implements the smoking
prohibition is included with the forms. By signing and submitting the
application, applicants are providing the certification and need not
mail back the certification with the application.
Applicants must make the appropriate certification of their
compliance with all Federal statutes relating to nondiscrimination. By
signing and submitting the applications, applicants are providing the
certification and need not mail back the certification form. Complete
the standard forms and the associated certifications and assurances
based on the instructions on the forms. The forms and certifications
may be found at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Those organizations required to provide proof of non-profit status,
please refer to Section III.3.
Please see Section V.1, for instructions on preparing the full
project description.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Application Due Date: Applications are due August 15, 2005.
Explanation of Due Dates: The closing time and date for receipt of
applications is referenced above. Applications received after 4:30 p.m.
eastern time on the closing date will be classified as late.
Deadline: Applications shall be considered as meeting an announced
deadline if they are received on or before the deadline time and date
referenced in Section IV.6. Applicants are responsible for ensuring
applications are mailed or submitted electronically well in advance of
the application due date.
Applications hand carried by applicants, applicant couriers, other
representatives of the applicant, or by overnight/express mail couriers
shall be considered as meeting an announced deadline if they are
received on or before the deadline date, between the hours of 8 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m., eastern time, at the address referenced in Section
IV.6., between Monday and Friday (excluding Federal holidays).
ACF cannot accommodate transmission of applications by facsimile.
Therefore, applications transmitted to ACF by fax will not be accepted
regardless of date or time of submission and time of receipt.
Late Applications: Applications that do not meet the criteria above
are considered late applications. ACF shall notify each late applicant
that its application will not be considered in the current competition.
Any application received after 4:30 p.m. eastern time on the
deadline date will not be considered for competition.
Applicants using express/overnight mail services should allow two
working days prior to the deadline date for receipt of applications.
Applicants are cautioned that express/overnight mail services do not
always deliver as agreed.
Extension of deadlines: ACF may extend application deadlines when
circumstances such as acts of God (floods, hurricanes, etc.) occur, or
when there are widespread disruptions of mail service, or in other rare
cases. A determination to extend or waive deadline requirements rests
with the Chief Grants Management Officer.
Receipt acknowledgement for application packages will not be
provided to applicants who submit their package via mail, courier
services, or by hand delivery. Applicants will receive an electronic
acknowledgement for applications that are submitted via http://www.Grants.gov
.
Checklist: You may use the checklist below as a guide when
preparing your application package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Required form or format When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table of Contents.................. See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By application due
date.
Project Abstract................... See Sections IV.2 and Found in Sections IV.2 and By application due
V. V. date.
Project Description................ See Sections IV.2 and Found in Sections IV.2 and By application due
V. V. date.
Budget Narrative/Justification..... See Sections IV.2 and Found in Sections IV.2 and By application due
V. V. date.
SF-424............................. See Section IV.2...... See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
SF-LLL Certification Regarding See Section IV.2...... See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By date of award.
Lobbying. programs/ofs/forms.htm.
Certification Regarding See Section IV.2...... See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By date of award.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke. programs/ofs/forms.htm.
SF-424A............................ See Section IV.2...... See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
Support Letters.................... See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By application due
date.
SF424B............................. See Section IV.2...... See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/ By application due
programs/ofs/forms.htm. date.
[[Page 38172]]
Designation Letter................. See Section III.1..... Letter from the Governor in By application due
the applicant's State or date.
Territory designating the
applicant as the lead
agency as required by this
Program Announcement.
Found in Section III.1.
Found in Sections III.1.
and IV.2.
Third Party Agreements............. See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By application due
date.
Dissemination Plan................. See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By application due
date.
Non-Federal Resources.............. See Sections III.2. Found in Sections III.2. By application due
and V. and V. date.
Plan for Project Continuation...... See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By application due
date.
Empowerment Zones/Enterprise See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By application due
Communities Partnership. date.
Assurances......................... See Section IV.2...... ........................... ......................
Proof of Non-Profit Status......... See Section III.3..... Found in Section III.3..... By date of award.
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement....... See Section V......... Found in Section V......... By date of award.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Forms: Private, non-profit organizations are encouraged
to submit with their applications the survey located under ``Grant
Related Documents and Forms,'' ``Survey for Private, Non-Profit Grant
Applicants,'' titled, ``Survey on Ensuring Equal Opportunity for
Applicants,'' at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to submit Required content Location When to submit
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Survey for Private, Non-Profit See form.............. Found in http:// By application due
Grant Applicants. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ date.
ofs/forms.htm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Intergovernmental Review
State Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
This program is covered under Executive Order 12372,
``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' and 45 CFR Part 100,
``Intergovernmental Review of Department of Health and Human Services
Programs and Activities.'' Under the Order, States may design their own
processes for reviewing and commenting on proposed Federal assistance
under covered programs.
As of October 1, 2004, the following jurisdictions have elected to
participate in the Executive Order process: Arkansas, California,
Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa,
Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New
Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South
Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa, Guam,
North Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands. As these
jurisdictions have elected to participate in the Executive Order
process, they have established SPOCs. Applicants from participating
jurisdictions should contact their SPOC, as soon as possible, to alert
them of prospective applications and receive instructions. Applicants
must submit all required materials, if any, to the SPOC and indicate
the date of this submittal (or the date of contact if no submittal is
required) on the Standard Form 424, item 16a.
Under 45 CFR 100.8(a)(2), a SPOC has 60 days from the application
deadline to comment on proposed new or competing continuation awards.
SPOCs are encouraged to eliminate the submission of routine
endorsements as official recommendations. Additionally, SPOCs are
requested to clearly differentiate between mere advisory comments and
those official State process recommendations which may trigger the
``accommodate or explain'' rule.
When comments are submitted directly to ACF, they should be
addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants Management,
Division of Discretionary Grants, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 4th
floor, Washington, DC 20447.
Although the remaining jurisdictions have chosen not to participate
in the process, entities that meet the eligibility requirements of the
program are still eligible to apply for a grant even if a State,
Territory, Commonwealth, etc. does not have a SPOC. Therefore,
applicants from these jurisdictions, or for projects administered by
Federally-recognized Indian Tribes, need take no action in regard to
E.O. 12372.
The official list, including addresses, of the jurisdictions that
have elected to participate in E.O. 12372 can be found on the following
URL: http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.
5. Funding Restrictions
Grant awards will not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs.
Costs associated with foreign travel or for construction activity
are not allowable charges to the program grant.
Applications must also include provisions for the travel of a key
staff person during the project period for one (1) trip to Washington,
DC.
6. Other Submission Requirements
Submission by Mail: An applicant must provide an original
application with all attachments, signed by an authorized
representative and two copies. Please see Section IV.3 for an
explanation of due dates. Applications should be mailed to: Tim
Chappelle, Grants Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Grants
Management, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop: 8th Floor West,
Washington, DC 20442.
Hand Delivery: An applicant must provide an original application
with all attachments signed by an authorized representative and two
copies. The application must be received at the address below by 4:30
p.m. eastern time on or before the closing date. Applications that are
hand delivered will be accepted between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday. Applications should be
delivered to: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer, U.S. Department of
[[Page 38173]]
Health and Human Service, Administration for Children and Families,
Office of Grants Management, 901 D Street, SW., ACF Mailroom, 2nd Floor
(near loading dock) Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20024.
Electronic Submission: http://www.Grants.gov. Please see Section
IV.2 for guidelines and requirements when submitting applications
electronically.
V. Application Review Information
The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13)
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is
estimated to average 40 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining the data needed and
reviewing the collection information.
The project description is approved under OMB control number 0970-
0139 which expires 4/30/2007.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
1. Criteria
The following are instructions and guidelines on how to prepare the
``project summary/abstract'' and ``full project description'' sections
of the application. Under the evaluation criteria section, note that
each criterion is preceded by the generic evaluation requirement under
the ACF Uniform Project Description (UPD).
The Project Description Overview
Purpose
The project description provides a major means by which an
application is evaluated and ranked to compete with other applications
for available assistance. The project description should be concise and
complete and should address the activity for which Federal funds are
being requested. Supporting documents should be included where they can
present information clearly and succinctly. In preparing your project
description, information responsive to each of the requested evaluation
criteria must be provided. Awarding offices use this and other
information in making their funding recommendations. It is important,
therefore, that this information be included in the application in a
manner that is clear and complete.
General Expectations and Instructions
ACF is particularly interested in specific project descriptions
that focus on outcomes and convey strategies for achieving intended
performance. Project descriptions are evaluated on the basis of
substance and measurable outcomes, not length. Extensive exhibits are
not required. Cross-referencing should be used rather than repetition.
Supporting information concerning activities that will not be directly
funded by the grant or information that does not directly pertain to an
integral part of the grant funded activity should be placed in an
appendix.
Pages should be numbered and a table of contents should be included
for easy reference.
Introduction
Applicants required to submit a full project description shall
prepare the project description statement in accordance with the
following instructions while being aware of the specified evaluation
criteria. The text options give a broad overview of what your project
description should include while the evaluation criteria identifies the
measures that will be used to evaluate applications.
Project Summary/Abstract
Provide a summary of the project description (a page or less) with
reference to the funding request.
Objectives and Need for Assistance
Clearly identify the physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, and/or other problem(s) requiring a solution. The need
for assistance must be demonstrated and the principal and subordinate
objectives of the project must be clearly stated; supporting
documentation, such as letters of support and testimonials from
concerned interests other than the applicant, may be included. Any
relevant data based on planning studies should be included or referred
to in the endnotes/footnotes. Incorporate demographic data and
participant/beneficiary information, as needed. In developing the
project description, the applicant may volunteer or be requested to
provide information on the total range of projects currently being
conducted and supported (or to be initiated), some of which may be
outside the scope of the program announcement.
Results or Benefits Expected
Identify the results and benefits to be derived. The grantee must
describe what information was shared with individuals with
developmental disabilities and family members and what they suggested
individuals with developmental disabilities and family members do with
the information.
Approach
Outline a plan of action that describes the scope and detail of how
the proposed work will be accomplished. Account for all functions or
activities identified in the application. Cite factors that might
accelerate or decelerate the work and state your reason for taking the
proposed approach rather than others. Describe any unusual features of
the project such as design or technological innovations, reductions in
cost or time, or extraordinary social and community involvement.
Provide quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. Applicants are expected to present a plan that (1)
reflects an understanding of the characteristics, needs and services
currently available to the targeted population; (2) provides services
that directly address the needs of the target population; (3) is
evidence-based and grounded in theory and practice; (4) is appropriate
and feasible; (5) can be reliably evaluated; and (6) if successfully
implemented, can be sustained after Federal funding has ceased. When
accomplishments cannot be quantified by activity or function, list them
in chronological order to show the schedule of accomplishments and
their target dates.
If any data is to be collected, maintained, and/or disseminated,
clearance may be required from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget
(OMB). This clearance pertains to any ``collection of information that
is conducted or sponsored by ACF.''
List organizations, cooperating entities, consultants, or other key
individuals who will work on the project, along with a short
description of the nature of their effort or contribution.
Evaluation
Provide a narrative addressing how the conduct of the project and
the results of the project will be evaluated. In addressing the
evaluation of results, state how you will determine the extent to which
the project has achieved its stated objectives and the extent to which
the accomplishment of objectives can be attributed to the project.
Discuss the criteria to be used to evaluate results, and explain the
methodology that will be used to determine if the needs identified and
discussed are being met and if the project results and benefits are
being achieved. With
[[Page 38174]]
respect to the conduct of the project, define the procedures to be
employed to determine whether the project is being conducted in a
manner consistent with the work plan presented and discuss the impact
of the project's various activities on the project's effectiveness.
Geographic Location
Describe the precise location of the project and boundaries of the
area to be served by the proposed project. Maps or other graphic aids
may be attached.
Staff and Position Data
Provide a biographical sketch and job description for each key
person appointed. Job descriptions for each vacant key position should
be included as well. As new key staff is appointed, biographical
sketches will also be required.
Plan for Project Continuance Beyond Grant Support
Provide a plan for securing resources and continuing project
activities after Federal assistance has ended.
Organizational Profiles
Provide information on the applicant organization(s) and
cooperating partners, such as organizational charts, financial
statements, audit reports or statements from CPAs/Licensed Public
Accountants, Employer Identification Numbers, names of bond carriers,
contact persons and telephone numbers, child care licenses and other
documentation of professional accreditation, information on compliance
with Federal/State/local government standards, documentation of
experience in the program area, and other pertinent information. If the
applicant is a non-profit organization, submit proof of non-profit
status in its application.
The non-profit agency can accomplish this by providing: (a) A
reference to the applicant organization's listing in the Internal
Revenue Service's (IRS) most recent list of tax-exempt organizations
described in the IRS Code; (b) a copy of a currently valid IRS tax
exemption certificate, (c) a statement from a State taxing body, State
attorney general, or other appropriate State official certifying that
the applicant organization has a non-profit status and that none of the
net earnings accrue to any private shareholders or individuals; (d) a
certified copy of the organization's certificate of incorporation or
similar document that clearly establishes non-profit status, (e) any of
the items immediately above for a State or national parent organization
and a statement signed by the parent organization that the applicant
organization is a local non-profit affiliate.
Dissemination Plan
Provide a plan for distributing reports and other project outputs
to colleagues and the public. Applicants must provide a description of
the kind, volume and timing of distribution.
Third-Party Agreements
Provide written and signed agreements between grantees and
subgrantees or subcontractors or other cooperating entities. These
agreements must detail scope of work to be performed, work schedules,
remuneration, and other terms and conditions that structure or define
the relationship.
Letters of Support
Provide statements from community, public and commercial leaders
that support the project proposed for funding. All submissions should
be included in the application OR by application deadline.
Budget and Budget Justification
Provide a budget with line item detail and detailed calculations
for each budget object class identified on the Budget Information form.
Detailed calculations must include estimation methods, quantities, unit
costs, and other similar quantitative detail sufficient for the
calculation to be duplicated. Also include a breakout by the funding
sources identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Provide a narrative budget justification that describes how the
categorical costs are derived. Discuss the necessity, reasonableness,
and allocability of the proposed costs.
General
Use the following guidelines for preparing the budget and budget
justification. Both Federal and non-Federal resources shall be detailed
and justified in the budget and narrative justification. ``Federal
resources'' refers only to the ACF grant for which you are applying.
``Non-Federal resources'' are all other Federal and non-Federal
resources. It is suggested that budget amounts and computations be
presented in a columnar format: first column, object class categories;
second column, Federal budget; next column(s), non-Federal budget(s),
and last column, total budget. The budget justification should be a
narrative.
Personnel
Description: Costs of employee salaries and wages.
Justification: Identify the project director or principal
investigator, if known. For each staff person, provide the title, time
commitment to the project (in months), time commitment to the project
(as a percentage or full-time equivalent), annual salary, grant salary,
wage rates, etc. Do not include the costs of consultants or personnel
costs of delegate agencies or of specific project(s) or businesses to
be financed by the applicant.
Fringe Benefits
Description: Costs of employee fringe benefits unless treated as
part of an approved indirect cost rate.
Justification: Provide a breakdown of the amounts and percentages
that comprise fringe benefit costs such as health insurance, FICA,
retirement insurance, taxes, etc.
Travel
Description: Costs of project-related travel by employees of the
applicant organization (does not include costs of consultant travel).
Justification: For each trip, show the total number of traveler(s),
travel destination, duration of trip, per diem, mileage allowances, if
privately owned vehicles will be used, and other transportation costs
and subsistence allowances. Travel costs for key staff to attend ACF-
sponsored workshops should be detailed in the budget.
Equipment
Description: ``Equipment'' means an article of nonexpendable,
tangible personal property having a useful life of more than one year
and an acquisition cost which equals or exceeds the lesser of (a) the
capitalization level established by the organization for the financial
statement purposes, or (b) $5,000. (Note: Acquisition cost means the
net invoice unit price of an item of equipment, including the cost of
any modifications, attachments, accessories, or auxiliary apparatus
necessary to make it usable for the purpose for which it is acquired.
Ancillary charges, such as taxes, duty, protective in-transit
insurance, freight, and installation shall be included in or excluded
from acquisition cost in accordance with the organization's regular
written accounting practices.)
Justification: For each type of equipment requested, provide a
description of the equipment, the cost per unit, the number of units,
the total cost, and a plan for use on the project, as well as use or
disposal of the equipment after the project ends. An
[[Page 38175]]
applicant organization that uses its own definition for equipment
should provide a copy of its policy or section of its policy which
includes the equipment definition.
Supplies
Description: Costs of all tangible personal property other than
that included under the Equipment category.
Justification: Specify general categories of supplies and their
costs. Show computations and provide other information which supports
the amount requested.
Contractual
Description: Costs of all contracts for services and goods except
for those that belong under other categories such as equipment,
supplies, construction, etc. Include third party evaluation contracts
(if applicable) and contracts with secondary recipient organizations,
including delegate agencies and specific project(s) or businesses to be
financed by the applicant.
Justification: Demonstrate that all procurement transactions will
be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical,
open and free competition. Recipients and subrecipients, other than
States that are required to use Part 92 procedures, must justify any
anticipated procurement action that is expected to be awarded without
competition and exceed the simplified acquisition threshold fixed at 41
U.S.C. 403(11) (currently set at $100,000).
Recipients might be required to make available to ACF pre-award
review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or
invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc.
Note: Whenever the applicant intends to delegate part of the
project to another agency, the applicant must provide a detailed
budget and budget narrative for each delegate agency, by agency
title, along with the required supporting information referred to in
these instructions.
Other
Enter the total of all other costs. Such costs, where applicable
and appropriate, may include but are not limited to insurance, food,
medical and dental costs (noncontractual), professional services costs,
space and equipment rentals, printing and publication, computer use,
training costs, such as tuition and stipends, staff development costs,
and administrative costs.
Justification: Provide computations, a narrative description and a
justification for each cost under this category.
Indirect Charges
Description: Total amount of indirect costs. This category should
be used only when the applicant currently has an indirect cost rate
approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or
another cognizant Federal agency.
Justification: An applicant that will charge indirect costs to the
grant must enclose a copy of the current rate agreement. If the
applicant organization is in the process of initially developing or
renegotiating a rate, upon notification that an award will be made, it
should immediately develop a tentative indirect cost rate proposal
based on its most recently completed fiscal year, in accordance with
the cognizant agency's guidelines for establishing indirect cost rates,
and submit it to the cognizant agency. Applicants awaiting approval of
their indirect cost proposals may also request indirect costs. When an
indirect cost rate is requested, those costs included in the indirect
cost pool should not also be charged as direct costs to the grant.
Also, if the applicant is requesting a rate which is less than what is
allowed under the program, the authorized representative of the
applicant organization must submit a signed acknowledgement that the
applicant is accepting a lower rate than allowed.
Program Income
Description: The estimated amount of income, if any, expected to be
generated from this project.
Justification: Describe the nature, source and anticipated use of
program income in the budget or refer to the pages in the application
which contain this information.
Non-Federal Resources
Description: Amounts of non-Federal resources that will be used to
support the project as identified in Block 15 of the SF-424.
Justification: The firm commitment of these resources must be
documented and submitted with the application so the applicant is given
credit in the review process. A detailed budget must be prepared for
each funding source.
Total Direct Charges, Total Indirect Charges, Total Project Costs
Evaluation Criteria
The following evaluation criteria appear in weighted descending
order. The corresponding score values indicate the relative importance
that ACF places on each evaluation criterion; however, applicants need
not develop their applications precisely according to the order
presented. Application components may be organized such that a reviewer
will be able to follow a seamless and logical flow of information
(i.e., from a broad overview of the project to more detailed
information about how it will be conducted).
In considering how applicants will carry out the responsibilities
addressed under this announcement, competing applications for financial
assistance will be reviewed and evaluated against the following
criteria:
Approach (35 points)
The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
(1) Outlines a plan of action pertaining to the scope and detail on
how the proposed work will be accomplished for each project. Defines
goals and specific measurable objectives for the project (8 points);
(2) Identifies the kind of data to be collected and maintained, and
discusses the criteria to be used to evaluate the results and success
of the project. Describes how the proposed project will be evaluated to
determine the extent to which it has achieved its stated goals and
objectives; and whether the methods of evaluation include the use of
performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcome
of the project (8 points);
(3) Describes any unusual features of the project, such as design
or technological innovation, reductions in cost or time, or
extraordinary social and community involvement (5 points);
(4) Provides quantitative monthly or quarterly projections of the
accomplishments to be achieved for each function or activity, in such
terms as the number of people to be served and the number of activities
accomplished. When accomplishments cannot be quantified, activities
should be listed in chronological order to show the schedule of
accomplishments and their target dates (4 points);
(5) Describes the products to be developed during the
implementation of the proposed project. These can include
questionnaires, interview guides, data collection instruments,
software, Internet applications, reports, outcomes and evaluation
results. Also present a dissemination plan for conveying the
information (4 points);
(6) Cites factors which might accelerate or decelerate the work and
provide reasons for taking this approach as opposed to others (3
points); and
(7) Lists each organization, operator, consultant, or other key
individual who will work on the project along with a short description
of the nature of their effort and contribution (3 points).
[[Page 38176]]
Objectives and Need for Assistance (25 points)
The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
(1) Demonstrates the need for the assistance and states the
principal and subordinate objectives for the project (10 points);
(2) Pinpoints any relevant physical, economic, social, financial,
institutional, or other problems requiring a solution (5 points);
(3) Provides supporting documentation or other testimonies from
concerned interests other than the applicant (5 points);
(4) Provides any relevant data based on planning studies (4
points); and
(5) Provides maps and other graphic aids (1 point).
Results or Benefits Expected (20 points)
The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
(1) Clearly describes project benefits and results as they relate
to the objectives of the project (10 points); and
(2) Provides information as to the extent to which the project will
build on current theory, research, evaluation, and best practices to
contribute to increased knowledge of understanding the problems,
issues, or effective strategies and practices in family support (10
points).
Organizational Profiles (13 points)
The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
(1) Identifies the background of the project director/principal
investigator and key project staff (including name, address, training,
educational background, and other qualifying experience) and the
experience of the organization that demonstrates its ability to
effectively and efficiently administer this project; (4 points);
(2) Provides a brief background description of how the applicant
organization is organized, the types and quantity of services it
provides, and the research and management capabilities it possesses (4
points);
(3) Describes the competence of the project team and its
demonstrated ability to produce a final product that is readily
comprehensible and usable (3 points); and
(4) Provides an organization chart showing the relationship of the
project to the current organization (2 points).
Budget and Budget Justification (7 points)
The application will be evaluated on the extent to which it:
(1) Discusses and justifies the costs of the proposed project which
are reasonable and programmatically justified in view of the activities
to be conducted and the anticipated results and benefits (3 points);
(2) Describes the fiscal control and accounting procedures that
will be used to ensure prudent use, proper disbursement, and accurate
accounting of funds received under this program announcement (2
points); and
(3) Includes a fully explained non-Federal share budget and its
source(s) (2 points).
Note: Maximum awards to States will be $100,000. Maximum awards
to Territories will be $50,000. Therefore, application request
levels must not exceed the ceiling amount of $100,000 in Federal
funds for a State entity and $50,000 in Federal funds for a
Territorial entity.
Additional Points (5 points)
This year, five (5) additional points will be added to the total
score for an application for any project that includes partnership and
collaboration with one or more of the 140 Empowerment Zones/Enterprise
Communities. To receive the additional five points, the application
must provide a clear outline for the collaboration and a discussion of
how the involvement of the EZ/EC is related to the objectives and the
activities of the project. For further information on Empowerment Zones
and Enterprise Communities, please visit the ACF Office of Community
Service's Web site at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/ez-ec.
2. Review and Selection Process
No grant award will be made under this announcement on the basis of
an incomplete application.
A. Selection Process
Applications under this Program Announcement that are received by
the deadline date will be competitively reviewed and scored. Experts in
the field, generally persons from outside the Federal Government, will
use the evaluation criteria listed previously in the evaluation section
of the Program Announcement to review and score the applications. The
results of this review are a primary factor in making funding
decisions.
ADD reserves the option of discussing applications with, or
referring them to, other Federal or non-Federal funding sources when
this is determined to be in the best interest of the Federal Government
or the applicant.
In making Family Support Initiative decisions for 2005 grant
awards, ADD will consider whether applications focus on or feature the
following aspects/activities in their project design to the extent
appropriate:
A substantially innovative strategy with the potential to
improve theory or practice in the field of human services;
A model practice or set of procedures that holds the
potential for replication by organizations administering or delivering
human services;
A substantial involvement of volunteers, the private
sector (either financial or programmatic), faith-based and community
organizations, and/or national or community foundations;
A favorable balance between Federal and non-Federal funds
available for the proposed project which is likely to result in the
potential for high benefit for low Federal investment; and
A programmatic focus on those most in need of services and
assistance, such as unserved and underserved populations, including
underserved cultural, ethnic, and racial minority populations.
To the greatest extent possible, efforts will be made to ensure
that funding decisions reflect an equitable distribution of assistance
among the States and geographical regions of the country, and rural and
urban area. In making these decisions, ADD may also take into account
their need to avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.
B. Review Process
Using the evaluation criteria described in Section V.1., a panel of
at least three reviewers (primarily experts from outside the Federal
Government) will evaluate and score the applications. To facilitate
this review, applicants should ensure that they address the minimum
requirements identified in Section I, Priority Area Description, 3.
Minimum Requirements for Project Design.
Reviewers will determine the strengths and weaknesses of each
application in terms of the evaluation criteria listed in Section V.1.,
provide comments, and assign numerical scores. The point value
following each criterion indicates the maximum numerical weight that
each applicant may received per section in the review process.
Since ACF will be using non-Federal reviewers in the process,
applicants have the option of omitting from the application copies (not
the original) specific salary rates or amounts for individuals
specified in the application budget and Social Security Numbers, if
otherwise required for individuals. The copies may include summary
salary information.
[[Page 38177]]
Approved But Unfunded Applications
Applications that are approved but unfunded may be held over for
funding in the next funding cycle, pending the availability of funds,
for a period not to exceed one year.
3. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates
Subject to the availability of funding, ADD intends to award new
grants resulting from this Program Announcement during the fourth
quarter of Fiscal Year 2005. Up to $350,000 in Federal funds will be
available to support these projects this fiscal year.
For the purpose of the awards under this Program Announcement, the
successful applicants should expect a project start date of September
1, 2005.
VI. Award Administration Information
1. Award Notices
The successful applicants will be notified through the issuance of
a Financial Assistance Award document which sets forth the amount of
funds granted, the terms and conditions of the grant, the effective
date of the grant, the budget period for which initial support will be
given, the non-Federal share to be provided, and the total project
period for which support is contemplated. The Financial Assistance
Award will be signed by the Grants Officer and transmitted via postal
mail.
Organizations whose applications will not be funded will be
notified in writing.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
Grantees are subject to the requirements in 45 CFR part 74 (non-
governmental) or 45 CFR part 92 (governmental).
Direct Federal grants, sub-award funds, or contracts under this
Family Support Initiative 2005 program shall not be used to support
inherently religious activities such as religious instruction, worship,
or proselytization. Therefore, organizations must take steps to
separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities
from the services funded under this Program. Regulations pertaining to
the Equal Treatment For Faith-Based Organizations, which includes the
prohibition against Federal funding of inherently religious activities,
can be found at either 45 CFR part 87.1 or the HHS Web site at http://www.os.dhhs.gov/fbci/waisgate21.pdf
.
3. Reporting Requirements
Programmatic Reports: Quarterly.
Financial Reports: Semi-Annually.
Grantees will be required to submit program progress and financial
reports (SF-269) throughout the project period. Program progress and
financial reports are due 30 days after the reporting period. In
addition, final programmatic and financial reports are due 90 days
after the close of the project period.
VII. Agency Contacts
Program Office Contact: Joan Rucker, Program Specialist, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children
and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, 370
L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Mail Stop 405-D, Washington, DC 20447. Phone:
202/690-7898. Fax: 202/205-8037. E-mail: jrucker@acf.hhs.gov.
Grants Management Office Contact: Tim Chappelle, Grants Officer,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for
Children and Families, Administration on Developmental Disabilities,
370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20447. Phone:
202/401-4855. Fax: 202/401-5468. E-mail: tichappelle@acf.hhs.gov.
VIII. Other Information
All forms are available online at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofs/forms/htm
.
Notice: Beginning with FY 2006, the Administration for Children and
Families (ACF) will no longer publish grant announcements in the
Federal Register. Beginning October 1, 2005, applicants will be able to
find a synopsis of all ACF grant opportunities and apply electronically
for opportunities via: http://www.Grants.gov. Applicants will also be able to
find the complete text of all ACF grant announcements on the ACF Web
site located at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.
Please reference Section IV.3 for details about acknowledgement of
received applications.
Dated: June 24, 2005.
Patricia A. Morrissey,
Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
[FR Doc. 05-13096 Filed 6-30-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4184-01-P